Internet protocol (IP)-speaker with IP-camera

ABSTRACT

An internet protocol (IP)-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker with optional IP-based camera and/or alarm indicator is provided. The IP-based speaker has a detachable add-on device for accommodating different types of interchangeable camera configurations and other components such as flush mount camera, camera providing angled view, night vision-type camera for different services and configurations. Multiple IP-based speakers are connected to an IP device to exchange audio data via an Ethernet connection for cost effective, flexible and convenient installations. The IP-based speaker has a speaker cone for talkback features, and relay for remote relay control of doors or gates for security applications as well as public address applications.

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/033,871, filed Jun. 3, 2020;the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Illustrative embodiments relate generally to an internet protocol(IP)-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker with optional IP-based cameraand/or alarm indicator. Illustrative embodiments also relate generallyto an internet protocol (IP)-based speaker having a detachable add-ondevice for accommodating different types of camera configurations andother components.

Description of Related Art

Commercial speakers are used in commercial settings, industrialsettings, or other relatively large places with need for output ofannouncements, pages, alarms, and the like, to people in these settings.Speakers are generally distributed throughout a facility or other areas,and particularly when the facility has several different levels orfloors, to ensure people are within the output range of a speaker(s).Speaker installations therefore can be costly due to the cost perspeaker and the number of speakers needed to provide adequateannouncement/alarm coverage.

SUMMARY

An IP-based ceiling or wall-mounted speaker is provided in accordancewith different illustrative embodiments.

It is an aspect of illustrative embodiments to provide a speakercomprising: a loudspeaker connected to a speaker amplifier; a codecconfigured to provide audio to the speaker amplifier; an Ethernetinterface to an Ethernet link; a camera; and a processing deviceconnected to the Ethernet interface and the codec and the camera, andconfigured to associate the speaker with an Internet Protocol (IP)address. The processing device is further configured to receive packetswith the IP address from an IP device connected to the speaker via theEthernet link and to transmit packets to the IP device via the Ethernetlink, and output digitized audio in received packets via theloudspeaker, and to provide images from the camera to the IP device viatransmitted packets.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the IP device ischosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP) server, an IP endpointdevice, and a video surveillance device, and an IP endpoint device ischosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and a Public Address andGeneral Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakerfurther comprises: a main housing having walls that enclose theloudspeaker, the codec, the Ethernet interface and the processing deviceexcept for a front side thereof; and a detachable cover that covers thefront side of the main housing when detachably affixed thereto.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the main housinghas a recess therein to receive an add-on device, and the cover has anopening through which the add-on device is inserted, the add-on devicebeing detachably affixed to at least one of the main housing and thecover.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera isprovided in the add-on device and is electrically connected to theprocessing device when the add-on device is affixed to at least one ofthe main housing and the cover.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the cameracomprises a lens that is flush mounted with respect to the cover andprovides a field of view parallel with respect to a longitudinal axis ofthe speaker.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the add-ondevice comprises a housing structure that extends away from the coverwhen the add-on device is affixed to the speaker, and a lens of thecamera is provided in the housing structure and directed to provide anangled field of view with respect to a longitudinal axis of the speaker.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the cover has agrill comprising a pattern of apertures, and the add-on device comprisesa second cover configured to cover the opening.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the second coverhas a second grill comprising the pattern of apertures.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakercomprises at least one transformer and a power supply configured tosupply power the speaker from the Ethernet link using at least one ofusing Power over the Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakerfurther comprises at least one indicator that is visible to a user whenthe speaker is mounted to a surface, and is chosen from a light emittingdiode (LED) and a bicolor LED.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the processingdevice is configured to control the at least one indicator to indicate aconnection status chosen from when the speaker is connected to theEthernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernet link.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the loudspeakercomprises a speaker cone configured to receive audio when not outputtingaudio, and the speaker is configured to operate in talkback mode whereinaudio can be inputted via the speaker cone and the processing device isconfigured to control digitization and transmission of the inputtedaudio to the IP device.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakercomprises a talkback switch input to the processing device, theprocessing device being configured to initiate the talkback mode inresponse to receiving the talkback switch input upon activation of atalkback switch.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakerfurther comprises a relay configured to operate a device connected tothe relay in response to a relay control output generated by theprocessing device.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakerfurther comprises a memory device configured to store audio files, theprocessing device configured to output at least one of the stored audiofiles via the loudspeaker in response to instructions received from theIP device identifying the at least one of the stored audio files forplayback.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the camera isnight vision-type camera, and further comprising an infrared lightemitting diode (LED) to provide illumination for the night vision-typecamera.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the cameracomprises an infrared (IR) camera and an automatically switchable IRfilter to block IR and pass visible light when camera image quality isdetermined to meet criteria for day-time image capture operation, and tonot block IR when camera image quality is determined to meet criteriafor night-time image capture operation.

It is an aspect of illustrative embodiments to provide a speakercomprising: a loudspeaker connected to a speaker amplifier; a codecconfigured to provide audio to the speaker amplifier; an Ethernetinterface to an Ethernet link; at least one indicator visible to a userwhen the speaker is mounted to a surface; and a processing deviceconnected to the Ethernet interface and the codec and the indicator, andconfigured to associate the speaker with an Internet Protocol (IP)address. The processing device is further configured to receive packetswith the IP address from an IP device connected to the speaker via theEthernet link, and output digitized audio in the received packets viathe loudspeaker, and operate the at least one indicator to indicate aselected condition in accordance with indicator instructions in thereceived packets.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the IP device ischosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP) server, an IP endpointdevice, and a video surveillance device, and an IP endpoint device ischosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and a Public Address andGeneral Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the speakercomprises at least one transformer and a power supply configured tosupply power the speaker from the Ethernet link using at least one ofusing Power over the Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the at least oneindicator is chosen from a light emitting diode (LED) and a bicolor LED.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the processingdevice is configured to control the at least one indicator to indicate aconnection status chosen from when the speaker is connected to theEthernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernet link.

In accordance with aspects of illustrative embodiments, the loudspeakercomprises a speaker cone configured to receive audio when not outputtingaudio, and the speaker is configured to operate in talkback mode whereinaudio can be inputted via the speaker cone and the processing device isconfigured to control digitization and transmission of the inputtedaudio to the IP device.

Additional and/or other aspects and advantages of illustrativeembodiments will be set forth in the description that follows, or willbe apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of theillustrative embodiments. The illustrative embodiments may compriseapparatuses and methods for operating same having one or more of theabove aspects, and/or one or more of the features and combinationsthereof. The illustrative embodiments may comprise one or more of thefeatures and/or combinations of the above aspects as recited, forexample, in the attached claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects and advantages of embodiments of theillustrative embodiments will be more readily appreciated from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, of which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an example IP-based speaker inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and side views, respectively, of the IP-basedspeaker in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 are perspective views of example IP-based speakersin accordance with another illustrative embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams of components of an IP-based speakerin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of IP-based speakers connected to an IP device inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of IP-based speakers connected to an IP device andproviding rebroadcasts in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of IP-based speakers connected to an IP device andto a remote call button device in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an example IP-based speaker with infrared(IR) camera and switchable IR filter in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

Throughout the drawing figures, like reference numbers will beunderstood to refer to like elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to illustrative embodiments, whichare depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments describedherein exemplify, but do not limit, the illustrative embodiments byreferring to the drawings.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of an example IP-basedspeaker 100 configured in accordance with an illustrative embodiment,and FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and side views, respectively, of thespeaker 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The speaker 100 comprises a housing 102which can be made of molded plastic or other material that enclosesspeaker assembly components such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6Bas described below in accordance with illustrative embodiments. Thespeaker housing 102 can be constructed similarly to the housing of aB-650(T) speaker, for example, which is commercially available from DNHA/S, Kragero, Norway. The speaker housing 102 is configured for mountinginto a recess in ceiling or wall surface, for example. The housing 10has a main section 104 enclosing most of the speaker components and aremovable cover 108. The main section 104 can be installed through anopening in the ceiling or wall surface and secured in place against thesurface via one or more screws received in mounting brackets orfasteners 106. The cover 108 is removably secured to the main housing104 via clips 110 to optionally expose the interior of the main housingwhen removed therefrom, and to otherwise present a grill 112 whenattached to the main housing 104. It is to be understood, however, thatthe speaker 100 can have a housing form factor wherein the speaker isflush mounted to a ceiling or wall surface.

With reference to FIGS. 1B, 2A and 3B, at least a portion of the frontsurface of the speaker 100 comprises a grill 112 with plural openingsthat facilitate output of sound from a loudspeaker 214 (FIG. 6B)provided within the housing 102. The openings also allow a user to seelight output from an alarm LED 248 provided on a speaker control board120 (FIG. 6A) mounted within the housing 102.

With reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 , and in accordance with otherexample embodiments, the speaker 100 can be alternatively configured tohave an opening 114 that receives an optional add-on device 116 such asa camera, LED device or other device, or simply a cover for the opening114. For example, the main section 104 of the housing 102 can have arecess therein that is sufficient to receive a least a portion of anadd-on device 116. The removable cover 108 can have the opening 114,which is dimensioned to receive the add-on device 116. For example, theopening 114 can be 2″ inches in diameter and or other diameter that issmaller than the diameter of the cover 108.

The add-on device 116 has a pluggable electrical interface between theadd-on device 116 and the control board 120 in the speaker main housingsection 104. For example, the add-on device 116 can have a flexiblecable or ribbon cable electrically connected thereto at one end thereofthat has an electrical plug or connector provided at the other endthereof for electrical connection to the control board 120. The flexiblecable or ribbon cable is configured to be disposed within the recess ofthe main section 104 of the housing 102 following assembly with theadd-on device 116, and to have sufficient length to allow the add-ondevice 116 to be rotated relative to the control board 120 withoutdisconnecting the electrical plug or connector from the control board120. The electrical plug or connector of the add-on device 116 iselectrically connected to a cooperating connector associated with thecontrol board 120 to provide electrical power from the control board 120to the add-on device 116's components, and to allow exchange of inputs,outputs and/or control signals between the speaker control board 120 andthe add-on device 116. For example, the add-on device 116 can have apressure fit connector that electrically connects to a plug on the board120 when the add-on device 116 is installed in the speaker, and that isreleased from the plug upon application of a sufficient force thatseparates the add-on device 116 from the speaker 100. The opening 114and the add-on device 116 can be provided with cooperating mountingfeatures that allow detachment of the add-on device 116 from the opening114. For example, the opening 114 can be provided with a helical groovealong an inner circumferential surface thereof that cooperates with ascrew thread provided along an exterior surface of the add-on device116. Alternatively, pressure mounted clips can be used to detachablymount an add-on device 116 within the opening 114 of the speaker 100. Inan alternative embodiment, the add-on device 116 is integral orotherwise connected to control board 120 and related components in asingle sub-assembly that rotates relative to the main section 104 of thehousing 102.

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the add-on device 114 is a cover 122having a grill pattern similar to the grill 12. As shown in FIG. 3B, anLED is visible through the add-on device 116. For example, the LED canbe part of the speaker control board 120, in which case the LED can bevisible through the grill 112 in the embodiment of the speaker 100 shownin FIGS. 1B and 2A, or through the add-on device 116 shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. It is to be understood that placement of the LED within thehousing 102 is not limited to viewing from the center of the housing 102front or opening 114 and can instead be visible from a peripherallocation within the speaker housing 102. Also, the LED can be part ofthe speaker control board 120 or the add-on device 116 in accordancewith example embodiments. In accordance with another example embodiment,the speaker 100 can be provided with an LED and the add-on device 116can have another LED.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the add-on device 116 comprises a flush mountcamera 124 having a lens providing a field of view that is parallel withthe longitudinal axis of the housing 102. In FIG. 5 , the add-on device116 has a housing structure 128 (e.g., a dome-like structure) thatextends away from the cover 108 enclosing a camera 126 with a lens thatprovides an angled field of view with respect to the longitudinal axisof the housing 102. The housing structure 128 can be configured torotate relative to the add-on device 116 housing or otherwise relativeto the speaker 100 to allow set up of a camera to a desired field ofview. The housing structure 128 can be translucent to allow a user inthe vicinity of the speaker to see output from one or more LEDs or othervisual indicator(s) provided in the add-on device 116 such as a firealarm that flashes.

In accordance with another example embodiment and with reference to FIG.10 , the add-on device 116 comprises an infrared (IR) camera 126 toprovide day-time and night-time images (e.g., for security applications)for a selected area in the field of view of the camera. The IR cameracan have a switchable electromagnetic filter to automatically switch anIR filter from being in front of the camera to pass only visible light,to being away from the camera when the camera senses image qualitydegradation from insufficient visible light to output IR images instead.The dome 128 can be swiveled for desired angle and field of view. Forexample, the automatically switchable IR filter 138 can be operated bythe camera 126 to block IR and pass visible light when camera imagequality is determined to meet criteria for day-time image captureoperation, and to not block IR when camera image quality is determinedto meet criteria for night-time image capture operation. The IR camera126 with switchable IR filter 136 can be accommodated in a dome 128. Thedome 128 is dimensioned in terms of length and diameter and look-downface angle to accommodate an IR camera, which can have a comparativelylarger form factor than regular visible spectrum only camera because ofthe IR filter 138. The add-on device 116 with IR camera 126 can beprovided with a cap 140. The cap 140 is beneficial to reduce anyacoustical anomalies occurring in the cavity of the camera dome 128 onthe frequency response of the speaker 214 output. The IR camera add-on116 can have a ribbon connection or other electrical interface (notshown) with the speaker control board 120 to send images via Ethernet toIP endpoint device 130 and to optionally receive power. The IR camera126 is indicated as installed as a pluggable add-on device 116; however,it can also be mounted integrally to the speaker 100.

As described below in connection with FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 , the speaker100 provides an Ethernet connection to an amplifier and loudspeaker, andis IP addressable to operate with other IP device(s) 130 connected viaEthernet (e.g., optic cable or CAT5 cable) to provide one-way and/ortwo-way IP communications. For example, the IP devices 130 can be IP endunits (e.g., a HUBBCOM™ IP device, or Elemec3 Networked Public Addressand General Alarm System (PA/GA) controller commercially available fromGAI-Tronics, Reading, Pennsylvania) and a SIP server for two-way IPcommunications, and an optional video switch for one-way IPcommunications. As described below, the Ethernet connection providesbi-directional audio between the speakers 100 and the IP devices 130 andoptional unidirectional video from a speaker(s) 100 with a camera to avideo switch 130. Regardless of the type of IP device 130 used, an IPdevice 130 and one or more speakers 100 are configured in accordancewith example embodiments to allow the IP device 130 to send digitizedaudio to the speakers 100 for pages and public address (PA)announcements. The speakers 100 are powered via PoE/PoE+, and can beconfigured as addressable individually, as a zoned unit, and/or as anall-page unit with respect to an IP device 130.

FIG. 7 depicts an example multi-Function IP endpoint device 130available from GAI-Tronics and SIP server 130 that can be programmed tosend pages, alarms, other announcements to speakers 100 that areconnected via multicast technology, as well as to receive audio via atalkback function of the speaker(s) 100. In addition, when used inconnection with a video surveillance system, speakers 100 can providevideo to an optional video switch 130, Speakers 100 are provided with IPaddresses and IP device(s) 130 can address pages/announcements to zonesof speakers. For example, speakers 100 can be configured to be addressedin different zones whereby different speaker 100 identifiers areassociated with one or more zone identifiers assigned to respectivezones in an area or building where the speakers 100 are deployed. Inaddition, each speaker 100 can be configured to rebroadcast audio outputto other IP devices using the multicast technology as depicted in FIG. 8.

With reference to FIG. 9 , a speaker 100 can be configured to operatewith a talkback switch or similar device 134 in the vicinity of thespeaker 100 which allows an IP device 130 to sense speaker engagements.The loudspeaker 214 (FIG. 6B) in the speaker 100 can operate as amicrophone and user input audio to the speaker 100 is digitized andprovided to the IP device 130 via IP communications. The input audio tothe loudspeaker can also be ambient environment sound relative to thespeaker 100 and therefore allowed ambient level sensing or monitoring bythe IP device 130 (e.g., to control speaker output level based ondetected ambient noise).

Since the speaker 100 has a high bandwidth data pipe similar to other IPdevices such as HUBBCOM′ IP devices, the speaker 100 can be providedwith an add-on device 116 that comprises a camera for surveillance, inaddition to the services provided by the speaker 100 such as publicaddress and general alarms (PA/GA) and emergency announcements. Withcontinued reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 , a speaker can be provided withan optional add-on device 116 with a camera to allow camera output to besent to the IP device so that an IP device 130 user can see and/orverbally communicate with a person in the vicinity of the speaker 100 inreal-time.

With continued reference to FIG. 9 , the speaker 100 can be connected toa remote device 134 such as a call button or panel to provide buildingentry and gate or door control. For example, the remote device 134 canbe a button such as a SPST switch contact. When the device 134 isactivated, the speaker can initiate its talkback function and operatethe loudspeaker as a microphone and digitize and send inputted audio tothe IP device(s) 130. Alternatively, an IP device 130 can send a controlsignal to the speaker 100 to operate the loudspeaker as a microphone(e.g., in response to a page).

As stated above, different types of IP devices 130 can be used. Forexample, the afore-mentioned HUBBCOM™ IP devices are configured toprovide one or more of web application control, VoIP SIP telephoneoperation, overhead speaker broadcasts, and point-to-point serverless IPcommunication (audio and/or video). HUBBCOM™ IP devices can also providean audio output for powering an external speaker 100 for overhead pagingand broadcasting, access control for door or gate, emergency audible andvisual alerts (e.g., public address and general announcements (PA/GA)).

The speakers 100 and the IP device(s) 130 have IP connectivity forconvenient integration into an existing network through standardEthernet cables 132. For example, an IP device 130 can be connected toone or several speakers 100 via an Ethernet link 132 (e.g., cables) andthen registered, for example, with a SIP server or IP-PBX.Alternatively, the speakers 100 can include control logic that allowsserverless provisioning as described in commonly owned U.S. patent Ser.No. 10/051,129, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference. IP connectivity of the speaker(s) 100 with an IP device 130is advantageous because multicast technology can be employed to enablemultiple speakers 100 to listen on a given broadcast address to receivedata over an Ethernet network from a single source such as an IP device130.

Components on the control board 120 of the speaker 100 will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The control board 120 hasan Ethernet connector 200 for connection to an Ethernet link (e.g.,Ethernet cable) 132 between the speaker and an IP device 130 and anEthernet interface 206. A processing device 202 and associated memorydevice(s) 204 are provided on the control board 120. The control boardalso has an audio codec 208 that provides audio output to a loudspeaker214 (e.g., 8-Ohm) via a current-controlled limiter circuit 210 andspeaker amplifier (e.g., 15-Watt) 212. A talkback amplifier 216 isprovided to allow input audio via the loudspeaker cone. The processingdevice 202 is provided with control logic and configuration data for IPaddressing and registration of the speaker 100 for communication withother IP devices, for control of the IP-based indicator(s) (e.g., LEDs)and optional camera(s) 218, and processing of input and output of audiowith respect to other IP devices 130 and remote devices 134.

As stated above, the speaker 100 employs PoE/PoE+ power only; that is,no auxiliary power source is needed. PoE can be up to 6 watts, andvariable via a configuration setting. PoE+ can be up to 15 watts, andvariable via a configuration setting. The speaker 100 utilizes a speakeramplifier 212 rated for at least 15 watts into 8 ohms, and acurrent-controlled limiter circuit 210 to limit power to the speakeramplifier 212 as needed to support stable operation in PoE and PoE+modes. The control board has PoE transformers 222, a PoE power supply224 and current sense resistor 226 to provide +3.3V and 5 VA viaregulators 228 and 230. The processor has a power management section 232that receives 3.3V from the regulator 228. The current-controlledlimiter circuit 210 receives inputs CS+ and CS− from the current-senseresistor 210 and a POE/POE+ input from the PoE power supply 224.

The control board 120 has a camera indicated at the camera boardinterface 218. As described herein, a speaker can have an add-on device116 with a camera 218 mounted in the center of the grill. The camera 218can be rotatable relative to the add-on device 126 and/or housing 112 toorient camera coverage. For example, the add-on device 126 (FIG. 5 ) canbe used instead of add-on device 124 (FIG. 4 ) when a user wishes toangle the camera lens toward the radius (e.g., outward) instead ofstraight down. The add-on device 116 can also be provided with a nightvision-type camera. The current sense resistor 226 at the output of thePoE power supply 224 can provide +24V to a regulator 234 to provide +12VDC to an optional IR illuminator in the event the speaker 100 isprovided with a night vision-appropriate camera. For example, anoptional infrared (IR) LED and driver circuit can be provided to thespeaker 100 via an add-on device 116 with the night vision-appropriatecamera.

As stated above, the add-on device 122 can also be a cover or blankinsert. As such, the speaker 100 is configured to accommodate aremovable/replaceable camera and different camera types such as cameraswith different camera lens types (e.g., wide-angle, fisheye, etc.).Speaker 100 is therefore versatile which is advantageous ininstallations wherein different types of add-on devices 116 are neededto provide different capabilities depending on speaker location anddesired functions.

As stated above, the control board 120 has a talkback amplifier 216 toallow a half duplex talkback capability using the speaker cone of theloudspeaker 214. When the speaker 100 is not outputting audio, inputaudio is enabled for talkback function for a configurable time after noaudio output activity. During a talkback mode, the loudspeaker 214connections are fed back to a microphone input of the processing device120's audio codec 208 such that the loudspeaker 214 is being used as amicrophone during talkback mode. In addition, the processing device 120allows the speaker 100 to be configured for remotely activated talkbackusing a remote device 134 (e.g., an external dry contact input 134 inFIG. 6A) connected to the speaker as illustrated in FIG. 9 .

With continued reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the control board 120 inthe main housing 104 of the speaker 100 has an LED driver (200 mA) 240to drive an external LED indicator for such things as indicating statusof the speaker 100 (e.g., active, powered) or to illuminate the area inits vicinity for egress of people. The processing device 202 can beprovided with logic for local control (e.g., versus IP device 130control) for activity indication, or remote control for alarms, etc. TheLED driver 240 can act as a current source with a maximum current ratingof 200 mA. The output current can be reduced from the 200 mA value usinga PWM signal from the processing device 202. A heartbeat LED 244 andEthernet LED(s) 246 can be driven by the processing device 202 toindicate that the speaker 100 has power and Ethernet connectivity. Abicolor LED driver 242 is provided to drive a common-cathode bicolor LEDsuch as a red/green LED (e.g., whereby a third color (e.g., amber) canbe produced if both LEDs are driven simultaneously) to provide anIP-based alarm LED 248 operated in accordance with control signals froman IP device 130, for example, to flash or illuminate a selected colorto indicate a designated event to personnel within the vicinity of thespeaker 100. As stated above, the speaker 100 can be provided with anadd-on device 116 with night-vision appropriate camera, and therefore apossible need to drive an IR LED to allow night-vision with theappropriate camera. The regulator 234 can provide a +12 VDC voltagesource to power an external IR illuminator. The +12 VDC voltage sourcecan be switched on and off by the processing device 202 such as switchedon at night and switched off during daytime.

The control board 120 has contact input to allow for talkback initiationfrom an external button (e.g., a call button switch or other device 134)operated by a user to activate the talkback function. For example, theprocessing device 202 can be provided with an external dry contact input134. A relay 220 (e.g., small relay less than or equal to 2 A DC) andcontact output 250 allow activation of an external DC-powered device(e.g., to activate an E3 alarm). The processing device 202 can beprovided with logic for local control (e.g., versus IP device 130control) for activity indication (e.g., operate the alarm LED 248), orremote control for alarms, etc. The control board 120 can also have aprocessor module-controlled Form A (SPST) relay contact with a 30 VDC/2A contact rating.

Ambient level sensing (ALS) and supervision via ambient noise asdescribed above can be reported to E3 and/or SNMP systems. For example,output of the speaker is adjusted higher or lower to maintain a setlevel of output above sensed ambient level. A factory reset pushbutton238 and MicroSD card connector 254 are also provided (e.g., for initialprogramming of the speaker 100).

The IP-based speaker 100 described herein in accordance with variousexample embodiments realizes a number of advantages. The IP-basedspeaker 100 takes advantage of the high bandwidth data pipe afforded thespeaker 100 by virtue of its Ethernet connection to an IP device 130.The IP device 130 generally has a more powerful and higher quality andhigh cost amplifier for audio data sent to one or more IP-based speakersconnected to it, allowing for a more cost effective amplifier to be usedin each of the IP-based speakers and effectively lowering the unit costof each IP-based speaker without degrading their sound quality. Inaddition, the high bandwidth data pipe allows for more data features andservices to be provided by the IP-based speakers such as the use ofdifferent types of cameras and/or talkback features and/or remote relaycontrol of doors or gates for security applications as well as publicaddress applications.

It will be understood by one skilled in the art that this disclosure isnot limited in its application to the details of construction and thearrangement of components set forth in the above description orillustrated in the drawings. The embodiments herein are capable of otherembodiments, and capable of being practiced or carried out in variousways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regardedas limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” andvariations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unlesslimited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” andvariations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct andindirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms“connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted tophysical or mechanical connections or couplings. Further, terms such asup, down, bottom, and top are relative, and are employed to aidillustration, but are not limiting.

The components of the illustrative devices, systems and methods employedin accordance with the illustrated embodiments can be implemented, atleast in part, in digital electronic circuitry, analog electroniccircuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or incombinations of them. These components can be implemented, for example,as a computer program product such as a computer program, program codeor computer instructions tangibly embodied in an information carrier, orin a machine-readable storage device, for execution by, or to controlthe operation of, data processing apparatus such as a programmableprocessor, a computer, or multiple computers.

A computer program can be written in any form of programming language,including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed inany form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component,subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. Acomputer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or onmultiple computers at one site or distributed across multiple sites andinterconnected by a communication network. Also, functional programs,codes, and code segments for accomplishing the illustrative embodimentscan be easily construed as within the scope of claims exemplified by theillustrative embodiments by programmers skilled in the art to which theillustrative embodiments pertain. Method steps associated with theillustrative embodiments can be performed by one or more programmableprocessors executing a computer program, code or instructions to performfunctions (e.g., by operating on input data and/or generating anoutput). Method steps can also be performed by, and apparatus of theillustrative embodiments can be implemented as, special purpose logiccircuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC(application-specific integrated circuit), for example.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an ASIC, a FPGA or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include, byway of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, andany one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, aprocessor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory ora random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer area processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devicesfor storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will alsoinclude, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer datato, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g.,magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. Information carrierssuitable for embodying computer program instructions and data includeall forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example,semiconductor memory devices, e.g., electrically programmable read-onlymemory or ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM),flash memory devices, and data storage disks (e.g., magnetic disks,internal hard disks, or removable disks, magneto-optical disks, andCD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks). The processor and the memory can besupplemented by, or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signalsmay be represented using any of a variety of different technologies andtechniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information,signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout theabove description may be represented by voltages, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields orparticles, or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Toclearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the describedfunctionality in varying ways for each particular application, but suchimplementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing adeparture from the scope of claims exemplified by the illustrativeembodiments. A software module may reside in random access memory (RAM),flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk, a removabledisk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Anexemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processorcan read information from, and write information to, the storage medium.In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.In other words, the processor and the storage medium may reside in anintegrated circuit or be implemented as discrete components.

Computer-readable non-transitory media includes all types of computerreadable media, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media,flash media and solid state storage media. It should be understood thatsoftware can be installed in and sold with a central processing unit(CPU) device. Alternatively, the software can be obtained and loadedinto the CPU device, including obtaining the software through physicalmedium or distribution system, including, for example, from a serverowned by the software creator or from a server not owned but used by thesoftware creator. The software can be stored on a server fordistribution over the Internet, for example.

The above-presented description and figures are intended by way ofexample only and are not intended to limit the illustrative embodimentsin any way except as set forth in the following claims. It isparticularly noted that persons skilled in the art can readily combinethe various technical aspects of the various elements of the variousillustrative embodiments that have been described above in numerousother ways, all of which are considered to be within the scope of theclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A speaker comprising: a loudspeakerconnected to a speaker amplifier; a codec configured to provide audio tothe speaker amplifier; an Ethernet interface to an Ethernet link; acamera; a processing device connected to the Ethernet interface and thecodec and the camera, and configured to associate the speaker with anInternet Protocol (IP) address; a main housing having walls that enclosethe loudspeaker, the codec, the Ethernet interface and the processingdevice except for a front side thereof; and a detachable cover thatcovers the front side of the main housing when detachably affixedthereto; wherein the processing device is further configured to receivepackets with the IP address from an IP device connected to the speakervia the Ethernet link and to transmit packets to the IP device via theEthernet link, and output digitized audio in received packets via theloudspeaker, and to provide images from the camera to the IP device viatransmitted packets.
 2. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the IP device ischosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP) server, an IP endpointdevice, and a video surveillance device, and an IP endpoint device ischosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and a Public Address andGeneral Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.
 3. The speaker of claim 1,wherein the main housing has a recess therein to receive an add-ondevice, and the cover has an opening through which the add-on device isinserted, the add-on device being detachably affixed to at least one ofthe main housing and the cover.
 4. The speaker of claim 3, wherein thecamera is provided in the add-on device and is electrically connected tothe processing device when the add-on device is affixed to at least oneof the main housing and the cover.
 5. The speaker of claim 4, whereinthe camera comprises a lens that is flush mounted with respect to thecover and provides a field of view parallel with respect to alongitudinal axis of the speaker.
 6. The speaker of claim 4, wherein theadd-on device comprises a housing structure that extends away from thecover when the add-on device is affixed to the speaker, and a lens ofthe camera is provided in the housing structure and directed to providean angled field of view with respect to a longitudinal axis of thespeaker.
 7. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the cover has a grillcomprising a pattern of apertures, and the add-on device comprises asecond cover configured to cover the opening.
 8. The speaker of claim 7,wherein the second cover has a second grill comprising the pattern ofapertures.
 9. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the speaker comprises atleast one transformer and a power supply configured to supply power thespeaker from the Ethernet link using at least one of using Power overthe Ethernet (PoE) and PoE+.
 10. The speaker of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one indicator that is visible to a user when thespeaker is mounted to a surface, and is chosen from a light emittingdiode (LED) and a bicolor LED.
 11. The speaker of claim 10, wherein theprocessing device is configured to control the at least one indicator toindicate a connection status chosen from when the speaker is connectedto the Ethernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernetlink.
 12. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the loudspeaker comprises aspeaker cone configured to receive audio when not outputting audio, andthe speaker is configured to operate in talkback mode wherein audio canbe inputted via the speaker cone and the processing device is configuredto control digitization and transmission of the inputted audio to the IPdevice.
 13. The speaker of claim 12, further comprising a talkbackswitch input to the processing device, the processing device beingconfigured to initiate the talkback mode in response to receiving thetalkback switch input upon activation of a talkback switch.
 14. Thespeaker of claim 1, further comprising a relay configured to operate adevice connected to the relay in response to a relay control outputgenerated by the processing device.
 15. The speaker of claim 1, furthercomprising a memory device configured to store audio files, theprocessing device configured to output at least one of the stored audiofiles via the loudspeaker in response to instructions received from theIP device identifying the at least one of the stored audio files forplayback.
 16. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the camera is nightvision-type camera, and further comprising an infrared light emittingdiode (LED) to provide illumination for the night vision-type camera.17. The speaker of claim 1, wherein the camera comprises an infrared(IR) camera and an automatically switchable IR filter to block IR andpass visible light when camera image quality is determined to meetcriteria for day-time image capture operation, and to not block IR whencamera image quality is determined to meet criteria for night-time imagecapture operation.
 18. A speaker comprising: a loudspeaker connected toa speaker amplifier; a codec configured to provide audio to the speakeramplifier; an Ethernet interface to an Ethernet link; at least oneindicator visible to a user when the speaker is mounted to a surface; aprocessing device connected to the Ethernet interface and the codec andthe indicator, and configured to associate the speaker with an InternetProtocol (IP) address; and a main housing having walls that enclose theloudspeaker, the codec, the Ethernet interface, the at least oneindicator, and the processing device except for a front side thereof;wherein at least a portion of the front side of the speaker comprises agrill with plural openings that facilitate output of sound from theloudspeaker; wherein an output generated by the at least one indicatoris visible through the grill and outside of the main housing; whereinthe processing device is further configured to receive packets with theIP address from an IP device connected to the speaker via the Ethernetlink, and output digitized audio in the received packets via theloudspeaker, and operate the at least one indicator to generate theoutput to indicate a selected condition in accordance with indicatorinstructions in the received packets.
 19. The speaker of claim 18,wherein the IP device is chosen from a session initiation protocol (SIP)server, an IP endpoint device, and a video surveillance device, and anIP endpoint device is chosen from a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone and aPublic Address and General Alarm System (PA/GA) controller.
 20. Thespeaker of claim 18, wherein the speaker comprises at least onetransformer and a power supply configured to supply power the speakerfrom the Ethernet link using at least one of using Power over theEthernet (PoE) and PoE+.
 21. The speaker of claim 17, wherein the atleast one indicator is chosen from a light emitting diode (LED) and abicolor LED.
 22. The speaker of claim 18, wherein the processing deviceis configured to control the at least one indicator to indicate aconnection status chosen from when the speaker is connected to theEthernet link, and when speaker is not connected to the Ethernet link.23. The speaker of claim 18, wherein the loudspeaker comprises a speakercone configured to receive audio when not outputting audio, and thespeaker is configured to operate in talkback mode wherein audio can beinputted via the speaker cone and the processing device is configured tocontrol digitization and transmission of the inputted audio to the IPdevice.
 24. The speaker of claim 23, further comprising a talkbackswitch input to the processing device, the processing device beingconfigured to initiate the talkback mode in response to receiving thetalkback switch input upon activation of a talkback switch.
 25. Thespeaker of claim 18, further comprising a camera, and a relay configuredto operate a device connected to the relay in response to a relaycontrol output generated by the processing device.
 26. The speaker ofclaim 18, further comprising a memory device configured to store audiofiles, the processing device configured to output at least one of thestored audio files via the loudspeaker in response to instructionsreceived from the IP device identifying the at least one of the storedaudio files for playback.